Major Change In Our Commute

Labor Day represents the end of the summer for many of us. We start looking toward trips north to our favorite tree stand, football season is on the horizon, and the kids are finally back in school. With children everywhere heading back to get an education our commutes to and from work will significantly change. A horrifying statistic is that most children who lose their life in bus-related accidents are between the age of 4 and 7 and these accidents occur while they are walking. They are hit either by the bus or by a motorist trying to pass a bus.

Help keep the kids safe during your commute:

School Buses:

• • Never pass a school bus if it is stopped to load or unload children
  • If the stop sign is extended traffic must stop
  • The area 10ft around a school bus are the most dangerous for children to leave enough space
  • Children are often unpredictable always be aware of where they may take off from before continuing down the road

Young Pedestrians:

• • In school zones when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians using the crosswalk
  • Always stop for school patrol officers or school crossing guards
  • Know where the school zones in your area are located and be prepared to experience increased traffic during your commute to and from work

Commutes to and from work can be an aggravating time for many of us. We need to recognize that special attention needs to be given to school zones and school buses on the roadways with us.